corner view~earth day

Earth Day began in 1970.  It started in the U.S. and is now observed in over 175 countries worldwide!  It is a day for people to reflect on our HOME -- to inspire awareness and appreciation for the earth's environment.

The care of our planet is something I feel very passionate about.  When I think about Earth Day I think about how the earth is a living, breathing organism, constantly giving to us - water, sunshine, shade, food, life.  I think about all of the damage humans have done to the earth in our selfishness, over years of misuse without giving back.  I am living at this critical point in history, and I want to do something to make a difference.  I believe that if we are going to take from the earth then we must give back.

The future of future generations' lives depends on all of us thinking this way.  If we all do our part, we can make a difference.  Consider wisdom of the Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy, which states that, “In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.”

 Our local Waldorf school organic garden

Every little bit we do does count.  And millions of people all doing little things does add up to many benefits for our planet.    

I see my 1/4 acre property as my little slice of earth to nurture and love.

Here's what we do:

~We recycle everything - glass, plastic, cans, aluminum, paper, cardboard, newspaper, batteries.
~We reuse as much as we can, and buy as little new stuff as possible.
~We try hard not to waste food or anything for that matter.
~We compost daily.  We just added two small worm bins to our composting.
~We grow some of our own food.  This year we expanded our edible garden.
~We plant trees (we have planted five this year - lemon, tangerine, and three papayas). 
~We plant tulasi (holy basil), which purifies the air, and is a great medicine.
~We use non toxic cleaners and a pest control company that uses no chemicals.
~We hang our laundry to dry, daily.
~We drive a hybrid car.
~We walk, bike, and carpool when possible.
~We give away items we don't need.
~We attract (with flowers) and save honeybees in our garden.  We love bees!
~We have installed solar panels on our home.
~We switched our pool from chlorine to salt.
~We conserve energy with compact fluorescent light bulbs.
~We turn off lights, computers, and television when not in use.  We unplug these every night to save more energy.
~We buy secondhand items - furniture, clothes, etc.
~We bring our own bags to use when shopping.
~We conserve water - by mulching, using low flow toilets and faucets, washing dishes and brushing teeth carefully.
~When buying new items we buy products that conserve energy.  

We also pray for the earth and for all beings every night before we eat, and we write poems, music, and blogs about caring for the earth, and share with others like you!

We also share what items we have with others.  I want my children to know in their bones how lucky they are to live the way they do - with a home, food, toys, fun things to do, a car to get them around.  We routinely give toys to needy children, we sponsor several children at this school in India, and we donate to environmental organizations as well as charities that help the less fortunate.  The kids share their personal money in this way.

Because to me Earth Day is also about love.

About loving the earth.  And making the world a better place.  Loving the inhabitants of the earth -- all of them.  Animals.  Plants.  Friends.  Family.  Even people who hate you.  Loving the souls of all beings and praying for people's hearts to become pure.  Praying for the souls of all beings.

And most importantly, I have to start with myself, by making my heart as pure as possible.

For more perspectives on Earth Day go to the sidebar here.